Please Help

DarkConvict

ACAS - http://www.acas.org.uk/

They might be able to help with the work contract dispute.

dianah

is there a mental health charity in Scotland - something similar to Mind? your work cannot explain why they reduced your contract but given they did that after you fell sick sounds like discrimination. many mental health charities work with lawyers and they can give you some help.

i'm bipolar, i overdosed five years ago - had a block in my heart and nearly died, the only thing that saved me was that i went to hospital because i though i'd not taken enough. i left my job and it took me nearly two years to recover. thankfully, everyone in my current job is very supportive - i've not really been off sick for long periods of time but i still have appointments and i have to go for regular blood tests because of my medication - it makes such a huge difference.

have you looked into getting incapacity benefit? i know it's not a huge amount of money but if you could maybe move in with your parents or a friend for a while so you wouldn't have to pay rent?
i'm just wondering what effect your job situation has on your health but please remember, a job is not worth your life.

as for your mobile contract - i would definitely ask whether you can reduce it. i moved to the isle of man a few years ago and got a 18 month long £45 contract - i did use all the minutes to start with but once i found a job and started working, i stopped using the phone as much - i went down to the shop and said i wasn't using all the minutes - they looked at my usage and changed my contract to £25 a month. If you tell them about financial difficulties, I'm sure they'll be able to do something.

Good luck!

Chillout5892

Very sorry to read what's been happening in your life.

One point though, as you have had 3 moths off sick, a diagnosis of bpd and an overdose (that you've thankfully survived.[Don't do it again, I tried 5 times in my 20s, now 57. Trust me an OT contract and vile boss are not worth it.]) it's obvious you have a GP.

May I suggest you contact you GP and ask for counselling support? I'm sure they would be happy to provide it and it sounds as if there maybe a referral somewhere in the pipeline for you.

Alternatively there is are is a national organisation called 'Off The Record' which specialises in providing confidential counselling service to the under 26s.

As you are working part time, it also gives you the opportunity to visit your local branch of Connexions, the careers guidance service which offers a specialist service to the under 26s which includes 1-1 support. As it's obvious your current situation isn't suiting you, you are young enough to consider doing something totally different in a different part of the country and Connexions can help you make that transition. And then you can tell your boss to stick his 24 hours where the sun don't shine.

You are young enough to walk away from this situation carrying nothing more than your OT contract. You have no kids or mortgage. Life isn't just about paying your bills, it's about enjoying being alive, and it's obvious you're not. Sounds as if you moved miles away from family and friends.

KPR11

Chillout5892 wrote: »

Sounds as if you moved miles away from family and friends.

If you are miles away from your family and friends, try moving back closer if you can. Family and friends can be a great source of help and comfort. I thought my family would disown me and chuck me out but I was really surprised at how understanding my own family was and they really did help me get back on my feet.

I hope things do work out for you.

Kerri-Lou_2

Thank you everyone for your replies.
sorry i havent replied recently.
good news, i managed to get my tariff down to £25 with unlimited txts and 100 mins. means no more goin over the limit.
im hoping to start an OU course in a few months in maths (i left school with very little mathematical skills) and all goin well, im hopin to go on to do a degree in contemporary science which covers astronomy through to paleontology. ive also put in for ILA which is a scottish government grant to help pay for your studies. fingers crossed itll pay for the course fee.
anyway, thought id keep you all posted on recent events
thanks again for all your help
kez xxxx

my parents live 30 miles away and were very close so they know my problems and are a great support to me. i owe them money for bailing me out last time i was ill, but at least they dont add interest :-p